Question
An alpha nucleus of energy mv2/2 bombards a heavy nuclear target of charge Ze. Then the distance of closest approach for the alpha nucleus will be proportional to
1/Ze
v2
1/m
1/v4
Solution
C.
1/m
An α - a particle of mass m possesses initial velocity when it is at large distance from the nucleus of an atom having atomic number Z. At the distance of closest approach, the kinetic energy of α - particle is completely converted into potential energy. Mathematically,
